CALIFORNIA — Athena Chiera, vice president of California-based Athena Engineering, has been named the recipient of the 2026 SMACNA Safety Sponsorship Award, recognizing her contributions to workplace safety and her efforts to advance opportunities for women in the construction industry.
The award, presented by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association (SMACNA) in partnership with its Representation, Integrity, Support and Empowerment (RISE) Committee, provides a professional development opportunity through attendance at the National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo.
Since joining Athena Engineering in 2008, Chiera has led the company's safety program, helping strengthen workplace safety practices and earning recognition for the firm's efforts. Her work has focused on building a strong safety culture while supporting continuous improvement across operations.
Through the sponsorship, Chiera will have the opportunity to participate in educational sessions and connect with safety professionals from across the construction industry.
She said the recognition marks her first opportunity to attend the industry conference after years of supporting others' professional development through similar events.
Looking ahead, Chiera plans to broaden the company's safety initiatives by increasing awareness of mental health in the workplace, strengthening near-miss reporting practices to help prevent injuries, and improving safety resources for employees.
She also aims to promote a more inclusive work environment by advocating for properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE), improving access to workplace facilities, and encouraging reporting of workplace harassment.
SMACNA said the annual Safety Sponsorship program supports professionals working in construction safety by providing access to industry education, networking opportunities, and leadership development that can strengthen safety programs across member companies.
Construction firms continue to place greater emphasis on workforce safety, employee well-being, and inclusive jobsite practices. Professional development programs such as the SMACNA Safety Sponsorship help safety leaders bring new knowledge and best practices back to their organizations, supporting stronger safety performance and workforce retention across the industry.
Source: SMACNA.
